After getting knocked over by a blind imbecile cager a few months back, I replaced the lower cowl plastic with the $800 cash the f**k gave me not to call the cops. And had a few beers. I was alright, the machine took a bit of a whack that DEFINITELY would not buff out, but all was well, and I found out that the annoying, rattling tip over sensor does in fact work.

When I replaced the plastic I ordered new pads along with it. I figured that it was time for an experiment so I didn't install the foam pads inside the lower right hand cowl. It seemed like K.H.I. would have had their shit together with the design of the pads, but it seemed like given that the machine ran pretty warm it would be good to see if they either helped channel air to the right places, or helped keep the external engine noise down and made things run hotter. Now that I've had some 70 degree + days to ride, the verdict is in: Run the pads. The already warmer right hand side is like running a Buell without them. My right leg almost melted. K.H.I. did it right with these things, even if they messed up a few others along the way. I installed them and my right leg and even my right arm is happier stuck at a light. If you were ever wondering about better or worse, with/without the pads, keep them for street riding.